Italian Phrase
Mi dispiace, non posso. Ho già impegni.
Meaning
A polite way to decline an invitation or request, indicating that you are sorry but you cannot attend because you already have other commitments.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to refuse a social invitation, a work request, or any offer, both in informal chats with friends and in more formal settings such as business meetings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Midispiace,nonposso.Hogiàimpegni.
Mi dispiace
A fixed expression meaning 'I'm sorry'; literally 'it displeases me', using the impersonal verb dispiacere in third person singular.
non posso
Negation + first person singular of potere, meaning 'I cannot'.
Ho già impegni
Present tense of avere + adverb già ('already') + plural noun impegni ('appointments/commitments').
impegni
Plural noun; use the article 'degli' or 'dei' when you want to be more specific: 'ho già degli impegni'.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi venire al cinema stasera?
Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
Mi dispiace, non posso. Ho già impegni.
I'm sorry, I can't. I already have plans.
✕Common Mistakes
Mi dispiace, non posso. Ho già impegni.
Missing article before 'impegni' makes the sentence sound a bit abrupt; better to say 'ho già degli impegni' or 'ho già un impegno'.
Io non posso.
The subject pronoun 'io' is unnecessary because the verb form already indicates the subject.
Ho già impegno.
Use the plural 'impegni' if you have more than one commitment; singular 'impegno' refers to a single appointment.
↔Alternatives
Mi spiace, non posso. Ho già degli impegni.
Sorry, I can't. I already have some commitments.
Scusa, non posso. Ho già un impegno.
Sorry, I can't. I already have an appointment.
Purtroppo non posso, ho già altri impegni.
Unfortunately I can't, I already have other commitments.
Cultural Tip
In Italian conversation, it is customary to preface a refusal with an apology (Mi dispiace / Mi spiace) to soften the negative response. Using "già" emphasizes that your schedule is already full, which is considered polite and respectful. Avoid sounding abrupt; a brief smile or a follow‑up suggestion (e.g., "magari un'altra volta") helps keep the tone friendly.